Higher Education Plays a Crucial Role in Environmental Conservation
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has warned of the potential for significant drought across much of Indonesia.
In response to environmental challenges, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) commemorated World Environment Day 2026 by hosting the ‘MemBumi 2026’ event at the UMJ Green Park, on Friday (5/6). Themed ‘Real Action for a Green Campus’, the initiative is part of the university’s efforts to foster a culture of environmental care and encourage sustainable practices within the academic environment.
The series of activities commenced with an environmental talkshow from an Islamic perspective, featuring the Dean of the UMJ Faculty of Agriculture, Sularno, and the Head of Program at the NGO Bicara Udara, Primadita Rahma Ekida.
UMJ also carried out the planting of 3,650 tree seedlings in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and PT Wahana Makmur Sejati (Wahana Honda). Additionally, the campus launched a segregated waste management programme and established a Temporary Waste Disposal Site (TPS) as part of strengthening the environmental management system within the campus area.
UMJ Rector Ma’mun Murod stated that the MemBumi programme represents the commitment of Muhammadiyah higher education institutions to realising sustainability values and environmental care. According to Ma’mun, Islamic teachings are closely linked to the efforts to preserve life, humanity, and the environment. Therefore, environmental issues must become a shared concern.
“Various teachings in Islamic Sharia are closely related to the protection of life, religion, intellect, human rights, and the environment,” said Ma’mun.
He assessed that various current disasters cannot be separated from the issue of environmental degradation. Consequently, the public needs to participate in monitoring policies related to environmental preservation. Ma’mun expressed hope that the movement started through MemBumi would not merely remain a ceremonial activity but would evolve into a sustainable programme involving the entire academic community.
On this occasion, UMJ also presented awards to the winners of a Sustainability Survey involving students, lecturers, and educational staff. Furthermore, the campus announced the ‘Most Sustainable Faculty’ based on UI GreenMetric scores.
The Faculty of Engineering achieved first place with a score of 1,387.5, followed by the Faculty of Public Health with 1,277.5, and the Faculty of Education with 1,190. The event concluded with the distribution of eco-enzymes into nearby river flows as a form of education and a campaign to improve water quality and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
Through the MemBumi 2026 programme, UMJ reaffirms its commitment to developing a green campus that not only builds environmental awareness but also drives real action towards sustainable development.